It is said that summer is the time of year for expansion: spending time outdoors, hot weather, lazy no-school days, water play…..as opposed to a time of contraction during the winter when it is cold and we stay inside more. In Austin, the summer seems to be a bit of both, which certainly proved to be true for us; we welcomed a new little being into our home this year, expanding our family and nestling in at home during the hottest months. Jenni went into labor just a few weeks after climbing to the top of Enchanted Rock and just a few days after she posted about being pregnant as a midwife. Now we have a thriving, smiling 2 month-old baby named Haven Otter, who is bringing so much delight to all the members of our family. Haven has created space for us to be present and connected in the midst of our very full lives. With him around, we are not inclined to be busy all the time because he reminds us to sit and hold him and stare at his cuteness. I really appreciate this part of parenting a newborn, the constant reminder to just be. I have started sitting in my front yard swing again with Haven in my lap, something I did often when my other two children were little but the habit quickly disappeared as they got older. Jenni has blossomed into a powerful and sweet Mama Bear, something awe-inspiring to witness on a daily basis. As we are settling into being two working moms with a baby, two teenagers, and a farmette, I have intense feelings of gratitude for our families, our friends, and the wonderful families we work with who create an even larger family of friends as the years go on.

Haven is not the only baby born around us this summer. We have had a busy late July and August, welcoming several other babies into their families; each entering the world with bright eyes and loving parents.

Here are few pictures of some of the new little ones:

Valor

Lucas

Isaac

Have you noticed a summer baby trend?….all boys !

We are planning to continue Group Prenatal Sessions on the first and third Thursdays of each month this fall. Here’s a look at the upcoming topics. If you are a client and have a topic you want discussed, please let us know.

Christy has enjoyed helping families in and around Austin welcome babies into their homes since 1998. Early on in her carrier she became involved in midwifery activism. She has served on several non-profit midwifery boards and enjoys working to promote midwifery care and home birth. More can be read about Christy here.